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Nurse Practitioner First Assistant Jobs in Rochester, MN

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Nurse Practitioner First Assistant information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$80.8K

$129.8K

$178.9K

How much do nurse practitioner first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for nurse practitioner first assistant in Rochester, MN is $129,788.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,800.00 and $143,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Nurse Practitioner First Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nurse Practitioner First Assistant, you need advanced clinical knowledge, surgical assisting expertise, and an active RN license with completion of a Nurse Practitioner program and a First Assistant certification (such as RNFA). Familiarity with surgical instruments, electronic health records (EHRs), and perioperative care protocols is essential. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills help ensure safe and efficient collaboration with surgeons and operating room staff. These competencies are crucial for optimizing patient outcomes and providing high-quality surgical support.

What is the difference between Nurse Practitioner First Assistant vs Physician Assistant?

AspectNurse Practitioner First AssistantPhysician Assistant
CredentialsRegistered Nurse (RN) + specialized training or certification as a First AssistantMaster's degree in Physician Assistant Studies + certification (PANCE)
Work EnvironmentOperating rooms, surgical teams, hospitalsHospitals, clinics, surgical settings
Roles & ResponsibilitiesAssisting surgeons during procedures, pre- and post-operative carePerforming exams, diagnosing, assisting in surgeries

Both Nurse Practitioner First Assistants and Physician Assistants work closely in surgical settings, assisting during procedures and providing patient care. While Nurse Practitioner First Assistants typically have advanced nursing credentials and specialized surgical training, Physician Assistants hold a master's degree and are trained to perform a broad range of medical tasks. Understanding these differences helps clarify their roles in healthcare teams.

What is a Nurse Practitioner First Assistant?

A Nurse Practitioner First Assistant (NPFA) is an advanced practice registered nurse who assists surgeons during surgical procedures. In this role, they provide direct patient care before, during, and after surgery, and perform specific tasks such as suturing, controlling bleeding, and handling tissues under the supervision of a surgeon. NPFA professionals are required to have specialized training and certification in surgical first assisting, in addition to their nurse practitioner credentials. Their expertise helps ensure surgeries run smoothly and patients receive comprehensive care throughout the surgical experience.

How does a Nurse Practitioner First Assistant typically collaborate with surgeons and other operating room staff during procedures?

As a Nurse Practitioner First Assistant (NPFA), you work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and surgical nurses to ensure optimal patient outcomes during operations. Your responsibilities include providing direct surgical assistance, such as suturing, controlling bleeding, and handling tissues, as well as anticipating the surgeon's needs throughout the procedure. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as you help coordinate patient care before, during, and after surgery. This collaborative environment not only enhances patient safety but also offers valuable opportunities for professional development and skill-building within a multidisciplinary team.
What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs? Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Nurse Practitioner First Assistant job openings:
Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant - Orthopedics Adult Reconstruction - Lower Extremity

Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant - Orthopedics Adult Reconstruction - Lower Extremity

Mayo Clinic

Rochester, MN • On-site

$119K - $167K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago


Mayo Clinic rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 680 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 872 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Why Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is top-ranked in more specialties than any other care provider according to U.S. News & World Report. As we work together to put the needs of the patient first, we are also dedicated to our employees, investing in competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit plans - to take care of you and your family, now and in the future. And with continuing education and advancement opportunities at every turn, you can build a long, successful career with Mayo Clinic.

Benefits Highlights
  • Medical: Multiple plan options.
  • Dental: Delta Dental or reimbursement account for flexible coverage.
  • Vision: Affordable plan with national network.
  • Pre-Tax Savings: HSA and FSAs for eligible expenses.
  • Retirement: Competitive retirement package to secure your future.

Responsibilities

The department of Orthopedic Surgery is ranked amongst the top Orthopedic Departments nationwide. This unique position in adult reconstruction lower extremity (hip and knee joint reconstruction surgery) allows the NP or PA to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary care team including: surgeons, residents/fellows, in-patient and outpatient allied health staff. 

The NP or PA will assist the assigned staff consultant in all aspects of patient care in the clinical setting, including pre-operative, intra-operative, and postoperative care as well as the opportunity for independent calendars. Patient care in the operating room and surgical assisting is expected.

Opportunities to cover other orthopedic subspecialties and work with 40+ Advanced Practice Providers within the Department of Orthopedic Surgery. There is potential to participate in education and research depending on the desire and the needs of the Department. At this time, no after-hours call is required, or planned, but may be instituted at a future date. 


Qualifications

Masters prepared graduate of an accredited school of nursing and Nurse Practitioner program. Current Minnesota RN license and certification as an FNP, ACNP or ANP.
Or graduate of accredited Physician Assistant program with current PA certification by NCCPA and registration as a PA by the Minnesota State Board of Medical Practice.
Must be eligible for DEA registration.

Completion of BLS course required. Prior clinical and surgical experience is strongly preferred. Consultant specific training will be provided
Ability to problem-solve, work independently, and assume responsibility for patient interactions. Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills for effective interactions with patients, family members, and colleagues in multiple disciplines. Strong organizational and time management skills are essential. 
Mayo Clinic employees applying for this position are asked to attach 3 most recent performance evaluations to online application to be considered for this position.
Candidates for this position are asked to attach two letters of reference to their online application to be considered for this position.


Exemption Status
Exempt
Compensation Detail
$119,870.40 - $167,273.60
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Schedule
Full Time
Hours/Pay Period
80
Schedule Details
Monday - Friday
Weekend Schedule
NA
International Assignment
No
Site Description
Just as our reputation has spread beyond our Minnesota roots, so have our locations. Today, our employees are located at our three major campuses in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, Jacksonville, Florida, Rochester, Minnesota, and at Mayo Clinic Health System campuses throughout Midwestern communities, and at our international locations. Each Mayo Clinic location is a special place where our employees thrive in both their work and personal lives. Learn more about what each unique Mayo Clinic campus has to offer, and where your best fit is. 

Equal Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status or disability status. Learn more about the 'EOE is the Law'.  Mayo Clinic participates in E-Verify and may provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Recruiter
Madeline EcklundQualifications:

Masters prepared graduate of an accredited school of nursing and Nurse Practitioner program. Current Minnesota RN license and certification as an FNP, ACNP or ANP.
Or graduate of accredited Physician Assistant program with current PA certification by NCCPA and registration as a PA by the Minnesota State Board of Medical Practice.
Must be eligible for DEA registration.

Completion of BLS course required. Prior clinical and surgical experience is strongly preferred. Consultant specific training will be provided
Ability to problem-solve, work independently, and assume responsibility for patient interactions. Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills for effective interactions with patients, family members, and colleagues in multiple disciplines. Strong organizational and time management skills are essential. 
Mayo Clinic employees applying for this position are asked to attach 3 most recent performance evaluations to online application to be considered for this position.
Candidates for this position are asked to attach two letters of reference to their online application to be considered for this position.


What Mayo Clinic employees say

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About Mayo Clinic

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Mayo Clinic is the largest integrated, not-for-profit medical group practice in the world. We're building the future, one where the best possible care is available to everyone — and more people can heal at home. Our relentless research turns into earlier diagnoses and new cures. That's how we inspire hope in those who need it most. At Mayo Clinic, experts work together to solve the most challenging unmet needs of patients. Our history of innovation dates back almost 150 years, when brothers Will and Charlie Mayo pioneered an integrated, team-based approach to medicine. Today, that trailblazing spirit drives innovations like Mayo Clinic Platform — which powers new technologies to change how care is delivered to all.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Rochester, MN, US

Year founded

1919